Chapter 11
Something Important
WHEN I REACHED deck, there were a flock of little launches circling around the Virgin, and the second officer was using a megaphone to warn them off. Risdon was talking loudly to the dignified man who had suggested the boat burned crude oil. As I came up near to him, he shook his head.
“We may be able to release those aboard the yacht today, and we may not, Mr. Condon,” he said. “We’re not playing a game, you know.”
The dignified one sighed heavily. Risdon saw me and reached my side, at the rail. I looked at the boats puttering around.
“Reporters?” I asked.
Risdon said: “Yes, damn ’em. And photographers.”
I nodded. “If there are any of either from the News, let them aboard, will you?”
He frowned at me. “I will not,” he said. “We’ve got enough to do on
